Latics lifted by Jones update

UPBEAT NEWS: Loan defender Daniel Jones, who is back at Wolves undergoing treatment for an ankle injury, could be fit again in three weeks. Latics latest by TONY BUGBY

ATHLETIC’S hopes of keeping on-loan Daniel Jones at Boundary Park for the rest of the season have received a massive boost.

The 22-year-old defender, who damaged ankle ligaments at Peterborough United on Saturday, could be back in action in three weeks.

It was first feared Jones, whose loan expires on January 3, would be out well into the New Year.

But chief executive Alan Hardy received a positive medical update after speaking to Jones last night.

Jones, who has been recalled by Wolves, told Mr Hardy that he is making excellent progress and may not need a scan on his ankle.

Athletic manager John Sheridan has already expressed a desire to keep Jones, who he rates highly, at Boundary Park subject to the agreement of Wolves.

That would have been a non-starter, however, had the palyer been sidelined for a lengthy spell.

In the absence of Jones, who joined Athletic in early October, Kelvin Lomax is likely to switch from right back to the left, with Neal Eardley taking over on the right side of defence for Saturday’s home match against Leyton Orient.

Athletic fans have been snapping up discounted tickets for this weekend’s League One game.

A family of two adults and two children can watch the match for £14 providing they buy tickets before 5pm tomorrow.

Spectators can still gain admission on the day at a cut-price £10 for adults and £5 for under-16s and over-65s.

The attendance is nudging towards 6,500, with Athletic hoping to get close to their target of 8,000.

Athletic were today giving staff at the Woolworths stores in Oldham and Shaw free tickets to Saturday’s game.

It was a goodwill gesture by the club as staff at Woolworths will lose their jobs in a fortnight’s time when the retail giant ceases trading.

Mr Hardy was at Derby County’s Pride Park today for an extraordinary general meeting of the Football League.

Topping the agenda was a proposal to force the inclusion of four home-produced players in their 16-strong match-day line-up.

The definition of home produced is a player who must have spent three years at a club before the age of 21. Athletic have already given their backing to the idea.




FORMER Manchester City defender Steve Howey has applied to become manager of League One outfit Hartlepool following this week’s departure of Danny Wilson.